Leicester community members recently joined public event for open conversation about their research experiences, health priorities and everyday health concerns.
Across two engagement days on 5 and 12 February, the Public and Patient Involvement team from the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) took part in a health and wellbeing event at Haymarket Shopping Centre in Leicester, continuing their work to bring research conversations directly into community spaces.
The event brought together several local organisations, including Better Mental Health, Leicester City Council, Vista, Turning Point and the Comfort Centre Leicester. The NIHR Leicester BRC was invited to attend as part of its growing relationship with Haymarket Shopping Centre, where twice-yearly engagement opportunities create space for informal conversations with people who may not otherwise encounter research activity.
Throughout the day, member of the PPI team spoke with visitors about why health research matters and how people can take part or help shape future studies.
An interactive display board invited passers-by to share the health topics most important to them using colourful sticky notes. Mental health, cancer, diabetes, dementia, gastrointestinal issues and neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism were among the key priorities highlighted, offering valuable insight into community concerns and lived experiences.
Researchers Beyoncé T. Jam and Gunjan R. Jaiaprasat also joined the engagement activity, strengthening the connection between community insight and ongoing research. In parallel, the Environment theme explored public views on the acceptability and feasibility of indoor air sampling through surveys and conversations with visitors and partner organisations.
Gunjan R. Jaiaprasat, PhD student from environment theme shared, “It was a great opportunity to speak directly with members of the community about our indoor air quality research. The feedback and conversations we had with both community members and the organisations present will help us design the study in a way that is more relevant and acceptable for participants, and more meaningful for the communities it aims to benefit”.
Another PhD student Beyoncé T. Jam added, “It was a valuable experience speaking to the public about indoor air quality. The responses we gathered will help us refine our approach, ensuring the study is not only backed by science but also deeply meaningful to the individuals it is intended to benefit. It was also a great opportunity to connect academic research with real-world impact, making the study more inclusive and relevant for our community.”
Reflecting on the value of community-based engagement, PPI team member Joanna Bell said:
“It is great to be here and come out into the community rather than expecting people to come to us. This helps us reach more people, understand what matters to them, and start meaningful conversations about research.”
Engagement events like this ensure that research is shaped by the voices of the communities it aims to serve. By meeting people where they are, we try to build trust, raise awareness and encourage wider involvement in health research across Leicester.
Click here to find out more about our Public Involvement work.